Paraganglioma resection requiring left atrial reconstruction

Paragangliomas, also known as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, arise from chromaffin cells within the autonomonic ganglia. Catecholamine secreting paragangliomas have been described in the mediastinum, but rarely invade the heart. This case describes the use of a novel bioabsorbable matrix that was used to replace a tumor invading the posterior left atrium.